This gene encodes a protein that belongs to the basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) family of transcription factors that regulate cell fate determination, proliferation, and differentiation. A similar protein in mouse is required for the development of the dorsal cochlear nuclei, and is thought to play a role in in the differentiation of neurons involved in sensory input. The mouse protein also functions in retinogenesis. [provided by RefSeq, Oct 2016],